Sunday, 22 August 2010

"Emotional Growth" - Interparish Youth Animation at Divyadaan

The Interparish Youth Animation Program at Divyadaan has just concluded. About 45 youth attended, from the 4 city parishes plus Igatpuri, including 3 from our own parish (Sophie, Ross and Nikhil).

Fr Anton D'Souza, Diocesan Youth Coordinator, began the sessions with an input on the ICYM - Indian Catholic Youth Movement. He encouraged everyone to feel part of the diocesan, national and even international Catholic youth scene, and said that he would soon be organizing a meeting of Presidents and Vice Presidents of the parish youth groups of the diocese.

Fr Robert Pen took the next two sessions on Emotional Growth, dealing mainly with anger and fear. His lively and friendly communication was appreciated by all. The brothers of Divyadaan were also a great help. A tag line: Stephen Covey's 90/10 principle: 10% of life is what happens to you; 90% follows from how you react to it.

The Program ended with the celebration of the Sunday Eucharist. Wonderful theme of the one family under God our Father: Isaiah speaking of all nations streaming to Jerusalem, and Jesus saying that people will come from East and West and take their places at table in the kingdom of heaven.... And the little gathering of youth as part of the ongoing fulfillment of that prophecy.

A warm word of congratulations to Sagar and Shirley, the two prime movers of the event.

Next appointment: Sunday, 10 October 2010, outing to Swami Shilananda's Ashram, Sinnar. We meet at 0830 at St Ann's Nashik Road, and from there make our way, by line bus, to Sinnar. From Sinnar, a short 3 km. walk to the Ashram, which is on the Sinnar Gothi road. Come with lunch as well as swimming togs - hoping that Swamiji's 'swimming pool' will be full thanks to the good rains. There might be a small charge for the snacks which will be provided.